Average Joe

The July 7th America (available online only to subscribers) has an article by attorney and law professor Patrick Schiltz on the legal challenges facing the U.S. bishops as a result of the child-abuse scandal. He begins with a description of the current legal situation, and then proceeds to make positive recommendations, including the appointment of a national "sex-abuse czar" to oversee the bishops' implementation of their policies and the erection of a national tribunal to arbitrate (rather than litigate) sex-abuse claims. Though it's good to see positive and concrete suggestions put forward, I'm not convinced they'll be effective unless Schiltz's first proposal is taken seriously:

By far the most important thing that the church must do is restore trust. Speaking as an average Joe in the pew, I must confess that the church will not restore my trust until it holds negligent bishops accountable for the incalculable damage they have inflicted on the church.

Amen, brother.

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Many bishops have failed us. They need to be disciplined, and severely, because they are the "apostles" who have failed in their spiritual duties because of cowardice or pride, or fear. Where are the cardinals who should be speaking out and providing leadership for the Church in this grave matter? The apostles of Christ's time must be rolling over in their graves.The pompous and arrogant bishops who lack integrity(and proper judgement) should be forcibly retired and replaced. We need HOLY bishop

Posted by: pauper servus et humilis -
Jul. 07, 2003 8:08 PM ET USA

I wholeheartedly agree! Once the Church "holds negligent bishops accountable for the incalculable damage they have inflicted on the church" THEN they can deal with the sex-abuse scandal!
The gravest ill within the Church: misplaced compassion.

Posted by: -
Jul. 07, 2003 11:01 AM ET USA

Now that "sex-abuse czar" is a really good idea. Let's get somebody tough and independent for the job like, say, former Oklahoma Gov.Frank Keating. No, wait....